Fluoride is a compound that occurs naturally, but is also used in many dental applications to help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride has been widely used and has helped children and adults alike to protect their teeth from decay.
We know that fluoride can help prevent tooth decay—but does it actually work to reverse cavities? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to fluoride’s abilities to return teeth to their normal state.
Fluoride Can Reverse Early Tooth Decay
Fluoride works by preventing the loss of essential nutrients from your tooth enamel. Largely composed of calcium, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, it’s no match for acidic foods such as sugar that can quickly produce bacteria that actually eats away at the tooth enamel.
When it comes to fluoride, this element actually helps to prevent the loss of these minerals and works to replace them. Therefore, if you have a cavity in the very early stages—such as a white spot on your enamel that indicates a cavity is likely—fluoride can actually help to prevent the cavity from actually forming.
Fluoride Strengthens Tooth Enamel
Fluoride can support the body’s natural healing process—this includes your teeth! Your teeth can repair themselves, especially if the problem is caught early.
However, once a problem such as a cavity or gum disease has progressed, it’s harder to reverse. If you have an actual hole in your tooth enamel caused by decay, fluoride alone won’t be able to reverse the cavity, and you’ll need to seek treatment from your dentist to get the cavity filled.
If you catch your cavity early, fluoride treatments may be able to help prevent the cavity from worsening and stop harmful bacteria from damaging your teeth further.
Considering Fluoride Treatments
If you want to try and reverse your developing cavity with fluoride, it may be best to seek a fluoride treatment with your professional dentist.
This is a simple treatment in which your dentist will apply a fluoride solution on your teeth. Fluoride treatments help many people to avoid cavities and may be helpful in reversing your enamel damage to prevent decay and reverse early decay. Your dentist can let you know if your smile would benefit from a fluoride treatment and discuss the procedure with you during your appointment.
Are you worried that you have a cavity because of enamel damage? Don’t delay in seeking help from your dentist. With the application of fluoride, you may actually be able to reverse the cavity from damaging your tooth. However, remember that if your cavity has already progressed, your dentist will need to fill it. Ask your dentist about how fluoride can help your smile!
